There is something raw and primal about allowing ourselves to be one with nature. To experience it without barriers or reservations. It can be cleansing and exhilarating.
That’s what Liz, Jo, and Lucy discover in this insightful novel about letting go of the old and facing the (sometimes daunting) new.
Each of the women have something that has caused their lives to be in turmoil (you can check out blurbs to find out what those are) and one by one, they discover that throwing themselves into the ocean helps them cope with their troubles.
It sounds a bit Greek tragedy, actually, but it makes perfect sense in the context of the book.
This was a simple, pleasant, read that didn’t require a lot of thought process to understand, so there’s not a lot to unpack in the plot itself. It’s very straightforward.
One of the messages that I got from the book was that problems in life don’t have to be faced alone. Sometimes having an outlet, whether it’s a person or event or ritual, can help keep a positive perspective.
I think Liz benefitted from this the most. While Lucy and Jo certainly had impactful issues, there weren’t the lies that went along with Liz’s problem. That made it extra hard for her to cope. It was fortunate that Jo and Lucy were around to support.
The setting itself was charming – who doesn’t love a seaside Irish village? Because of Lucy and Liz’s situations, I was reminded of Doc Martin (and yes, I know that the show takes place in England, but there were enough similarities that it was often brought to mind).
If I had to say anything negative about the book, it would be that it was fairly predictable. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.
Sometimes being able to just go along for the ride without any twists and surprises is just what is needed. Allow yourself to take the journey with Liz, Jo, and Lucy. If you don’t overthink it, you will find this novel to be a relaxing beach read.
About the author
Faith Hogan is an Irish award-winning and bestselling author of five contemporaryfiction novels. Her books have featured as Book Club Favorites, Net Galley HotReads and Summer Must Reads. She writes grown up women’s fiction which isunashamedly uplifting, feel good and inspiring.
She is currently working on her next novel. She lives in the west of Ireland with herhusband, four children and a very busy Labrador named Penny. She’s a writer, reader,enthusiastic dog walker and reluctant jogger-except of course when it is raining!